Photos: EchoStar-21 Processing for Launch atop Proton

The EchoStar-21 satellite undergoes final pre-launch processing steps at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, being installed atop the Briz-M upper stage followed by encapsulation in the protective payload fairing and shipment to the Launcher Integration Facility. EchoStar-21 will mark the first Proton launch in almost a full year due to persistent delays related to the rocket’s engines.